The Brain & the Actions of Cocaine, Opiates, and Marijuana

9: Increased cAMP produced in post-synaptic cell

In a closer view, again, show how this affects the function of the post-synaptic cell. Since there is more dopamine released, there is increased activation of dopamine receptors, similar to the effect of cocaine. This causes increased production of cAMP inside the post-synaptic cell, which alters the normal activity of the neuron.